Public Notices

SUBJECT: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, Omaha, and Sacramento Districts (Corps), is proposing to reissue Regional General Permit No. 12 (RGP 12) for Aquatic Habitat Improvement in Stream Channels in Colorado. This notice is to inform interested parties of the proposed reissuance of RGP 12 and to solicit comments. This notice may also be viewed at the Corps web site at http://www.spk.usace.army.mil/regulatory.html.

AUTHORITY: Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 for structures or work in or affecting navigable waters and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for the discharge of dredged or fill material in all waters of the United States.

PURPOSE AND NEED: The purpose of this proposed RGP is to authorize aquatic habitat improvement projects that cause only minimal individual and cumulative environmental impacts.

SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES: Activities proposed to be authorized by this RGP are limited to work associated with aquatic habitat improvement activities in stream channels within the State of Colorado. For a full description of the activities and proposed conditions, see the attached draft permit. Activities which do not comply with the provisions of this RGP may require an individual permit.

LENGTH OF AUTHORIZATION: The regional general permit, if reissued, will expire five years from the date of issuance.

OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATIONS: Water quality certification or a waiver, as required under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act is required for this regional general permit. The State of Colorado Water Quality Control Division is evaluating the proposed RGP and the Corps anticipates that Colorado 401 Water Quality certification will be issued for the permit.

COMMENT PERIOD: All comments pertaining to this Public Notice must reach this office on or before August 11, 2016. Extensions of the comment period may be granted for valid reasons provided a written request is received by the limiting date. If no comments are received by that date, it will be considered that there are no objections. Anyone may request, in writing, that a public hearing be held to consider this effort. Requests shall specifically state, with particularity, the reason(s) for holding a public hearing. If the Corps determines that the information received in response to this notice is inadequate for thorough evaluation, a public hearing may be warranted. If a public hearing is warranted, interested parties will be notified of the time, date, and location. Please note that names and addresses of those who submit comments in response to this public notice may be made publicly available through the Freedom of Information Act.

SUBMITTING COMMENTS: Written comments, referencing Public Notice SPK-2011-00124, must be submitted to the office listed below on or before August 11, 2016.

The Corps is particularly interested in receiving comments related to the proposal's probable impacts on the affected aquatic environment and the secondary and cumulative effects. Anyone may request, in writing, that a public hearing be held to consider this application. Requests shall specifically state, with particularity, the reason(s) for holding a public hearing. If the Corps determines that the information received in response to this notice is inadequate for thorough evaluation, a public hearing may be warranted. If a public hearing is warranted, interested parties will be notified of the time, date, and location. Please note that all comment letters received are subject to release to the public through the Freedom of Information Act. If you have questions or need additional information please contact the applicant or the Corps' project manager Travis Morse at 970-243-1199 ext. 1014, or by email at W.Travis.Morse@usace.army.mil.